Pakistan and Sri Lanka go head-to-head in a rematch of the second sem-final of the recently concluded Asia Cup 2024 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday, October 3. Pakistan lost that thriller by three wickets, and while they'd be seeking to avenge that defeat, they are not in the best shape heading into the tournament. A potential injury to Sadia Iqbal weakens their bowling unit, with their batting lineup also not inspiring confidence.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka is enjoying their cricket right now, and led by Chamari Athapaththu, who's at the top of her game right now, they'll back themselves to come out on top here.
Let's now look at a few Dream11 differentials for players to consider from this fixture.
#3 Ama Kanchana (ALL - SL)
Bowling all-rounder Ama Kanchana is likely to play a pivotal role for Sri Lanka at the World Cup. Providing the team with a much-needed extra seam-bowling option, the 33-year-old also adds to the batting depth of the side. She has played in 50 T20Is and is an experienced campaigner. While she has had more success in ODI cricket, she certainly possesses the skillset to shine in T20Is as well.
Kanchana is likely to be used as a utility player, and that does make her a bit of a risky pick as her batting position isn't fixed, and neither is her likelihood of sending down more than two overs.
However, any all-rounder on Dream11 has a very high potential for scoring points, and for those players who wish to take a high-risk high-reward punt, Ama Kanchana is a quality differential.
#2 Shashini Gimhani (BOWL - SL)
Left-arm wrist spinners are rare commodities in any form of cricket, and if used properly, they can quickly become an X-factor for their respective teams. Sri Lanka also have a gem on their hands in the form of 15-year-old wrist spinner Shashini Gimhani, who can bowl both right-arm and left-arm wrist spin.
The gifted youngster made her international debut against Uganda in May earlier this year and has picked up six wickets in five T20Is so far, averaging a solid 13.83.
She's expected to make it to Sri Lanka's playing XI at this tournament, and if she does, she could certainly spin a web around a fragile-looking Pakistan batting lineup. Wrist spinners are renowned for their wicket-taking, and Shashini has a good chance of hauling big on Dream11 in this match and is a great differential pick.
#1 Tuba Hassan (BOWL - PAK)
Pakistan's Tuba Hassan, while listed as a bowler on Dream11, is actually a bowling all-rounder. Set to slot in at No. 7 for Pakistan, she's likely to be called upon to bat and could score some valuable runs for them, also earning some handy points. She's also a capable bowler, having picked up 24 wickets in 32 T20Is.
Her wicket-taking record considerably improves against Sri Lanka - seven wickets in six matches at a miserly economy rate of 5.38.
It's a real surprise to see one of Pakistan's most important players having ownership levels in single digits. But for those willing to take a punt, Tuba Hassan could be a wonderful Dream11 differential.
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